Tool for applying false eyelashes



United States Patent 1 1 3,547,135

[ Inventor Pauli-R008 [56] References Cited 1 N gg'g'gag UNITED STATES PATENTS 35;- 1968 1,537,793 /1925 Bates 128/354 i45 Patented Dec 15,1970 2,178,055 /1939 Stapell /140 [73] Assign Grooming Devehpers, 1m 2,818,871 1/1958 Beaudry 132/48 Chicago, 111. 3,367,336 2/1968 Elzenberg 128/321 a corporation of Illinois FOREIGN PATENTS 1,012,063 9/1964 Great Britain 132/312 28,851 8/1964 Germany 24/255-5L Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene [54] TOOL FOR APPLYING FALSE EYELASHES mm"! Exammerfaregory McNel" 20 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs. Ammey Jh" Y Manoy [52] U.S.C| 132/32 [51] lnt.Cl A4541 2/48 ABSTRACT: A one-piece, molded tool for applying false Field of Search 132/32,31, eyelashes and comprising a deformable handle having 312, 32.3, 37, 79, 5,48, 88.5, 88.7; 128/325, 346, 354, 321; 40/140; 24/201, 255-5L, 201.9, 248HC, 252, 137.5

posed clamping portions and including an intermediate locking arrangement operable in response to handle deformation.

PATENTEI] mm 5 I970 35471135 IN VENTOR Paul J. R005 ATTORNEY TOOL FOR APPLYING FALSE EYELASHES This invention relates to an improved clamping tool particularly adapted for applying false eyelashes.

With the increased use of eye makeup and the use of false eyelashes, there has been a continuing demand for a practical tool to enable relatively unskilled, or the general public, as well as skilled, cosmeticians to readily and accurately apply false eyelashes with a minimum of effort, minimum smearing of previously applied eyemakeup and/or smearing adhesive on the eyelids, for example.

Generally speaking, after eye shadow hasbeen applied to the upper eyelid, the false eyelash is then applied. Previously, the amateur and/or professional cosmetician would apply a relatively effective tenacious adhesive to the base of the false eyelash, grasp it by meansof tweezers,raise km the upper eyelid and apply it to the lid. In the event the false eyelash was released too soon, the lash might fall on the floor or dressing table, the adhesive might become contaminated; If the lash is canted in the tweezers, it might be misoriented when actually applied to the lid, and the difficulties generally encountered during eyelash application were a deterrent to the use of false eyelashes.

Primary objects of the present invention are to provide a simple and inexpensive tool which facilitates application of false eyelashes in a ready and expeditiousmanner; to provide a one-piece tool in which a deformable handle includes particularly designed clamping portions for conforming to the general configuration of the upper eyelid and orienting the lash during application and includes a releasable lock portion operated by handle deformation; and more particularly to provide a molded, one-piece tool in which a novel lock means comprising cooperating male and female lock portions operable by a deformable handle portion in relation to a fulcrum portion of the lock means.

These together with other and more specific objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing forming a part thereof and disclosing for purposes of illustration an exemplary embodiment of the invention,in which: I

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the manner in which the tool is used when applying a false eyelash;

FIG. 2 is atop plan view of the tool at substantially full scale;

' FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section taken substantially on the plane of line 22 of FIG. 2 illustrating the tool prior to assembly;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating the manner in which the tool locks a false eyelash (shown in phantom lines) in the tool prior to applying the same to an eyelid, and showing diagrammatically how the tool handle is deformed to release the lash after it is oriented onto an eyelid;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the tool in an open" position prior to locking a false eyelash therein;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the underside of the nominal top clamp portion of the tool;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective view of the nominal bottom clamp portion of the tool;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevatiomsimilar to a portion of FIG. 4 and showing an alternate lock construction;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to a portion of FIG. 5 and showing the lock construction of FIG. 8 in an open" condition; y

FIG. 10 is a vertical section taken substantially on the plane of line 10-10 ofFlG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a horizontal section taken substantially'on the plane of line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

Prior to describing the tool in detail, it should be kept in mind that the false eyelash is relatively fragile, thin, delicate, and cannot be held in ones fingers when attempting to apply the same. Further the false eyelash comprises a plurality of natural hairs, generally curled upwardly, and attached to and radiating from a relatively thicker base having the dimensions of a relatively thick thread. The false lash, after'having been clamped in the tool of the present invention, initially disposes the base in an optimum position whereafter a thin layer of adhesive can be applied. On the other hand, false eyelashes of the self-adhering type will have this base disposed in a natural arc to readily conform to the natural curvature of the eyelid.

When this fragile false eyelash is in an activated" condition, it can be readily transported and oriented immediately adjacent the base'of the natural eyelash, i.e. where it grows from the upper eyelid. Thereafter, makeup is applied to generally camouflage the false eyelash base and mascara is used to generally integrate the natural and false eyelashes.

.Referring first to FIG. 1, an individual applying a false eyelash is indicated at A and between the thumb and forefinger of the hand H is an eyelash applicator tool 10 in which a false eyelash L is grasped, i.e. see FIG. 4, for example- The false eyelash L includes a plurality of hairs and a base b, as previously mentioned.

The tool 10 is preferably produced as a one-piece, injectionmolded article produced from any suitable plastic, cast metal material or the like. This invention is intended to encompass all equivalents falling within the purview of the invention.

The tool-10 comprises handle means 12, clamp means 14 and lock means 16.

The handle means 12 comprises two elongated handle portions 18 and 20 which are hingedly connected at one end by a suitable integral transverse hinge 22. The handle portions 18 and 20 are the nominal upper and lower handle portions when the tool is used. Further, as seen in FIG. 4, the handle portions are normally biased apart and bow outwardlyfrom the hinged connection 22.

The handle portions are flexible andfinger-deformable to produce the function illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 as will subsequently be described. v v

The clamping means 14 includes, at the ends of the handle portions 18 and 20, integral clamping portions 24 and 26,

respectively, nominally describedas upper and lower clamping portions when referring to the normal-position of use of the tool. Each of the clamping portions hasan arc curving away from the terminal ends of the handle portions, i.e. presenting an arcuate margin, which will have the base I) of the false eyelash L disposed thereagainst when the false eyelash is clamped therebetween. The arcuate edge of the clamping portions generally conforms to the arc of the eyelid where the false lash will be applied.

The lower clamping portion 26 is generally in the plane of handle portion 20 and includes on its nominal upper or inner surface an arcuate groove 28 which is generally closed at terminal ends; see FIG. 7, for example. The upper clamping portion 24 has a lower arcuate edge 30 which is generally complimentary to the groove 28. The handle portion 18 includes a terminal depending portion 32 integral with the upper surface of the nominal upper clamping portion 24.

As most clearly seen in FIG. 4, when the clamping portions 28 and 30 are in juxtaposed relation, the base b of the lash F will be oriented at the arcuate margin of the clamping portions disposing the base in a readily accessible position to apply a thin coat of adhesive, and also presentingthe adhesive-coated edge of the lash base b in an optimum position for ready orientation onto the users eyelid; see FIG.

Formed integrally on opposed intermediate portions of the handle portions 18 and 20 is the lock means 16 comprising opposed enlargements 34 and 36, respectively, slightly forward of the center of the handle portions. One of the enlargements, preferably the nominal lower one 36, has formed thereon an upwardly projecting male element 38 which includes a generally rounded enlarged tip portion 40. The other enlargement 34 includes therein an inwardly opening socket or female recess 42 which will frictionall-y, lockingly, and/or removably receive therein the rounded tip 40 of the male element 38. The plastic material, from which the tool is generally 7 produced, is slightly deformable and slight deformation or bending of the male element may occur when thetool is locked into position shown in FIG. 4. Further, the enlarged tip "40 is preferably slightly oversized with respect to the diameter of; the female recess 42, and due to shrinking differentials, dimension control of the dies, as well as due to the nature of the material ofthe tool, i.e. slight deformability of the elerirents, the male and'female elements 38-and 42, respectively, will in efiect have a snap lockaction to positively retain the clamping portions 24 and 26 in engagement with the lash L.

'3 Preferably, but not necessarily, formed on the enlargement 34, is a depending abutment or fulcrum portion 44 spaced rearwardly from the recess 42, which provides a pivot action when engaging the enlargement-36 when the handle portions are deformed.

..;Referring to FIG. 5, the tool is; grasped between the thumb T and index or forefinger l which are respectively engaged on the handle portions and 18; respectively, and the clamp portions 24and 26 are open to receive the hairs f of the lash L therebetween. After the hairs of the; lash are properly oriented with respect to clamp portions 24 and 26, 'prfessure is applied by the thumb and forefinger exteriorly of the enlargement 34 and 36 as illustrated in FIGS. Next, the tool, with the lash disposed therein, is readily oriented to the eyelid and the base b of the lash will generally be biased into a slightly raised position above the groove 28 of the clamping piirtio'n 26. The base b will be exposed and the hair f therebelow will be deposited thereon. 'EE EThe base I: can be readily presented to the position on the eyelid where'it will adhere, and thereafter, or substantially simultaneously, the thumb and index finger T' and l, as seen inFlG. '4, will be pressed together. This pressure deforms the fa'iidle portions 18 and 20 behind the lock means 16, causing re a slight compound movement, where enlargement 34 p ots on enlargement 36 at abutment 44, causing the male and female elements 38 and 42 to separate to the position seen iii FlG. S. The lash L is thus released and remains on the users lid, and the. tool 10 is now in a condition to grasp another false lash.

3Before referring to FIGS. 8-1l in detail, the tool in which the alternate lock construction will be used, function and will be constructed in the same manner as. the embodiment of 168. 1-7; numbers of the 100 series will be-used to identify similarly functioning parts. 1

,i In FIGS. 8-11, the handle means 112 will comprise elon' gated handle portions 118' and 120 and will include at one end ,clampingportions similar to previously described portions 24 and 26 and include at the other end an integral transverse hinge similar to that shown at 22. I 1 a I) The handle portions 118 and 120 include opposed elongated enlargements 134. and 136, respectively, slightly forward of center of the handle portions. One of the enlargements, preferably enlargement 136 (the nominallo'wer one), includes a forward, upwardly projecting male element 138 which is slightly enlarged at the terminal upper end 140. The terminal end includes a bore or recess 141 which affords increased resiliency and/or deformability of the male element when received in a female socket 0r recess to be described.

.The enlargement 136 includes a rear relieved or undercut portion 143 which will facilitate pivoting or fulcruming of the handle portions 118 and 120 with respect to each other.

:l nteg ral with the handle portion 120 andflanking the male element 138 at opposite sides of the enlargement 136 are 'g'tiide pins 143 which taper upwardly and which guide the cooperating elements toward locked relation. 3 The enlargement 134 includes at its rear portion a depending fulcrum portion 144 which will engage the uPPQ T-surface of enlargement 136 just forwardly of the relieved or undercut portion 143. The enlargement 134 includes a recess or female socket 142 frictionally receiving or retaining the tip 140 "therein. The recess 142 is surrounded by a peripheral, counprotected from adhesive being accidentally {tersunk or chamfered edge 135. The edge 135 guides the tip 140, of. the male element into the recess 142, and the tapered pins 143 form guide edges converging toward the sides of the enlargement 136 and maintains the handle portions against fcantiiig or relative shifting when the tool i s operated.

- of the male portion.

Not only do the tools as described facilitate the accurate placement and handling of false eyelashes, but they prevent injuries that have occurred in the past where tweezers have been used in a dangerous manner. Further. since mascara is used after the false eyelashes are applied to the lid, a tool of the present character facilitates the handling of the false eyelash when cleaning, which in "the past, has been relativel'y,-=

awkward and at timescaused damage to the relatively fragile false eyelashes.

it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made without wdepartirfigfrom the scope of the invention and the invention-is not limited only to what has beendisclosed in the exemplary embodiment.

lclaim:

1. An eyelash applicator comprising:

handle means including two elongated, flexible and deformable handle portions;

said handle portions including opposed clamping portions at one end for gripping an eyelash therebetween;

lock means on intermediate portions of said handle portion for lockingly retaining said clamping portions together;

and

said lock means including a portion for disengaging said lock means in response to deformation of said handle portions. 1

2. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said clamping portions extend transversely of said elongated handle portions.

3. The structure as claimed in claim 2 in which said handle portions are normally disposed apart, one of said handle portions including: v

a terminal offset portion'ext'ending toward said other handle portion, each of said clamping portions having an arc extending away from said handle portions; and

at least one of said clamping portions including a groove extending the length thereof and receiving a complimentary portion of said other clamping portion therein.

14. The structure as. claimedin claim 'lin which said lock means comprises opposed enlargements, one of said enlargemerits comprising a male portion extending toward said other enlargement, said other enlargement comprising a female portion releasably engageable with said male portion.

5. The structure as claimed in claim 4 in which one of said enlargements includes an abutment projecting toward said other enlargement and spaced from said male and female portions whereby deformation of said handle portions toward each other pivots saidenlargements at said abutment and disengages said male and female portions from locked relation.

6. The structure as claimed in claim 5 in which said clamping portions extend transversely of said elongated handle portions.

7. The structure as claimed in claim 6 in which said handle portions are normally disposed apart, one of said handle portions including:

a terminal offset portion extending toward said other handle portion,;each of said clamping portions having an are extending away fromsaid handle portions; and

at least one of said clamping portions including a groove extending the length thereof and receivinga complimentary portion of said other clamping portion therein.

8. The structure as claimed in claim 4 in which said male portion includes a terminal recess for increasing the resiliency 9. The structure as claimed in claim 4 in which one enlargement includes a relieved portion inS'paced relation from said lock means to permit relative'fulcruming of said enlargements.

10. The structure as claimed in claim 4 in which one of said handle portions includes guide pins flanking the enlargement thereon and extending toward the other enlargement for guiding said male and female portions toward locked relation.

11. The structure as claimed in claim 4 in which said female portion includes a countersunk, peripheral edge for guiding said male portion into said recess.

12. In an eyelash applicator comprising elongated, flexible, deformable handle portions hingedly and integrally connected at one end including transverse, integral, opposed clamping portions at the opposite end, the improvement comprising:

integral locking means on opposed, intermediate portions of said handle portions, said locking means including cooperating, releasable locking portions operable by deformation of said handle portions.

13. The structure as claimed in claim 12 in which said locking portions comprise male and female elements and a fulcrum portion spaced from said male and female elements.

14. The structure as claimed in claim 13 in which said locking means comprises enlarged portions on said handle portions, said male and female elements being integral with said enlargements.

15. The structure as claimed in claim 14 in which said fulcrum 'portion comprises an integral portion of one of said en largements and engageable with said other enlargement.

16. The structure as claimed in claim 13 in which said male portion includes a terminal recess for increasingthe resiliency of said male portion.

17. The structure as claimed in claim 14 in which one enlargement includes a relieved portion in spaced relation from said lock means to permit relative fulcruming of said enlargements.

18. The structure as claimed in claim 14 in which one handle portion includes guide pins flanking the enlargement thereon and extending toward the other enlargement for guiding said male and female portions toward locked relation 19 The structure as claimed in claim 13 in which said female element includes a recess having a countersunk peripheral edge for guiding the male element into said recess.

20. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said handle portions are pivotally connected at the other end 

